The man popularly credited with planting apple trees throughout the Midwest, John “Appleseed” Chapman epitomizes the American fold hero and pioneer: a man of humble origins who headed west to seek his destiny.

The essays in this collection bring to life the real Johnny Appleseed (1774-1845). A courageous, God-fearing, peaceful, and spartan figure, Chapman was welcomed by settlers and Native Americans alike. He was an unusual businessman – one who believed that his “wealth” was sown in the trees he planted, rather than in banks.

But, most of all, Johnny Appleseed was a lover of nature whose respect for all living things was born of his faith. An itinerant “missionary,” he provided settlers with “news fresh from heaven,” pages from the works of eighteenth-century theologian Emanuel Swedenborg.

Editor William Ellery Jones has updated historic essays that explore how Chapman’s legend grew both during and after his life. A “Resource List” at the end of the book aids educators and parents.